Social and Cultural Outings

***Note:*** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join the **Original Athens Pub Crawl**, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* **The New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl includes 1 Hour Open Bar - All You Can Drink** ### Original Athens Pub Crawl – Explore Athens by Night: Looking for the best way to experience Athens nightlife? The **Original Athens Pub Crawl** is the ultimate evening adventure for travelers who want to explore the city after dark, meet new people, and enjoy an unforgettable night out. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups, this crawl takes you through some of Athens’ most exciting nightlife districts, mixing popular venues with hidden local gems. Led by friendly local hosts, you’ll discover Athens in a whole new light—through its buzzing atmosphere, music, and social energy. Expect a night filled with fun activities, interactive games, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. Whether you’re here for one night or a full holiday, the Original Athens Pub Crawl guarantees a memorable evening of laughter, culture, and new friendships. **Highlights:** * Experience Athens nightlife with local hosts and fellow travelers * Explore a mix of lively venues, social spots, and hidden gems * Join fun games and activities that keep the energy going all night * Meet new friends from across the globe in a relaxed, friendly setting * A perfect choice for solo adventurers, groups of friends, or party lovers Make your trip to Athens unforgettable—join the **Original Athens Pub Crawl** and dive into the city’s vibrant night scene!

To chat with us,and go in different plans, join our whtsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt 🔥 ZIGGY MONDAY KICKOFF SOCIAL — Every Monday at 20:30 Start your week with momentum. Mondays shape your mindset, and this weekly meetup is designed to help you reset, recharge, and build meaningful connections from the very start of the week. --- ✨ What You Can Expect A warm, relaxed environment built for good conversations and low-pressure social flow. • 🍕 Snacks & pizza to fuel the night • 🎶 Dance-mix music + affordable drinks • 💬 Space to talk about work, life, travel, and what’s next • 🌆 A comfortable outdoor vibe for locals, travellers, and expats Expect a friendly, open-minded crowd — the kind of people who make Mondays feel lighter, warmer, and more social. --- 📍 Event Details Every Monday 20:30–00:00 Ziggy Bar Maps → https://maps.app.goo.gl/ofSCZ15wnRD78Keb7 Free Entry — this community always stays open and welcoming. --- Why This Monday Meetup Works • Easy for first-timers • Comfortable for solo attendees • Balanced crowd from multiple social channels • Actual turnout consistently exceeds what you see online • A simple, friendly way to start the week with positivity --- Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll leave with conversations, laughs, and new connections. Your week starts here. Ziggy Monday Kickoff — let’s build the momentum. Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events whatsapp: +30 694 952 8622 Follow us on instagram And make us grow Thanks in advance https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Athens, Social Meetup, Party, Dance Night, Locals & Travelers, Expats, Digital Nomads, Salsa, Bachata, Chill Vibes, Outdoor Event, International Community, Make New Friends, Things to Do in Athens, Couchsurfing Style, Summer in Athens, Open Meetup,food,restaurants,monday Αθήνα, Κοινωνική Συνάντηση, Πάρτι, Βραδιά Χορού, Ντόπιοι & Ταξιδιώτες, Ομογενείς, Ψηφιακοί Νομάδες, Σάλσα, Μπατσάτα, Χαλαρή Ατμόσφαιρα, Εκδήλωση σε Εξωτερικό Χώρο, Διεθνής Κοινότητα, Κάνε Νέους Φίλους, Δραστηριότητες στην Αθήνα, Στυλ Couchsurfing, Καλοκαίρι στην Αθήνα, Ανοιχτή Συνάντηση, Φαγητό, Εστιατόρια

**Οι γιορτές πλησιάζουν και φέτος αποφασίσαμε να τις υποδεχτούμε όπως τους αξίζει – όλες και όλοι μαζί, με μουσική, χορό και (πολλές) ευχές!** **Σας περιμένουμε όλες και όλους στο Quilombo, Δευτέρα 29/12, στις 21:00 για ποτά, μουσική και γενικά ό,τι χρειάζεται για να μπούμε στο 2026 με τη σωστή ενέργεια.**

***Note:*** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join the **Original Athens Pub Crawl**, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* ***The New Year’s eve includes Champagne & Fireworks Show at Midnight*** ### Original Athens Pub Crawl – Explore Athens by Night: Looking for the best way to experience Athens nightlife? The **Original Athens Pub Crawl** is the ultimate evening adventure for travelers who want to explore the city after dark, meet new people, and enjoy an unforgettable night out. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups, this crawl takes you through some of Athens’ most exciting nightlife districts, mixing popular venues with hidden local gems. Led by friendly local hosts, you’ll discover Athens in a whole new light—through its buzzing atmosphere, music, and social energy. Expect a night filled with fun activities, interactive games, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. Whether you’re here for one night or a full holiday, the Original Athens Pub Crawl guarantees a memorable evening of laughter, culture, and new friendships. **Highlights:** * Experience Athens nightlife with local hosts and fellow travelers * Explore a mix of lively venues, social spots, and hidden gems * Join fun games and activities that keep the energy going all night * Meet new friends from across the globe in a relaxed, friendly setting * A perfect choice for solo adventurers, groups of friends, or party lovers Make your trip to Athens unforgettable—join the **Original Athens Pub Crawl** and dive into the city’s vibrant night scene!

## Highlights * Celebrate New Year’s Eve on an exclusive Athens pub crawl * Visit lively bars popular with locals and travelers * Enjoy welcome shots at bars and club * Celebrate midnight with the group in a festive atmosphere * Countdown to 2026 with an international crowd Ring in the New Year in Athens with an exclusive pub crawl designed for travelers who want energy, social vibes, and a memorable countdown. This New Year’s Eve experience takes you through a selection of popular nightlife spots in central Athens, guided by a local host who knows where the city comes alive after dark. Instead of wandering aimlessly or dealing with packed venues alone, you’ll enjoy a smooth, organized night with a fun group. At each bar, you’ll receive a welcome shot, setting the tone for a festive evening. The crawl is paced to keep things relaxed and social, giving you time to enjoy each venue, connect with fellow guests, and soak up Athens’ buzzing nightlife. As midnight approaches, the group gathers to count down together and welcome the New Year in a high-energy atmosphere. Whether it’s inside a lively bar or just steps away from the city’s nighttime buzz, the moment is all about celebration, connection, and starting the year on a high note. This is not a sit-down party or a quiet evening. It’s a true New Year’s Eve pub crawl, perfect for solo travelers, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to celebrate with good vibes and great people. ## Includes * Champagne & Fireworks Show at Midnight * 3 - 4 Bars & VIP Club Access * Local Professional Tour Guide * Countdown to New Year's Eve * Free Welcome shots at Bars & Club

To chat with us,and go in different plans, join our whtsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt 🔥 Missed Thursday? No worries. Tonight — Saturday — we activate. The city’s most talked-about social meetup returns to Mint Bar, and this one is engineered to hit different. Not just another night out. A night people talk about the next day. --- ✨ The Experience Half chill, half dance. Open-air flow with real atmosphere. A warm, social crowd that’s easy to join and easy to talk to. Every week you see new faces — and every night the vibe stays strong. --- 🍹 Community-Only Deals Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic → €7 Sangria → €3 Shots → €2.5 🎶 Dance Music All Night: Smooth enough for conversations, energetic enough to move when the moment hits. --- 📍 Logistics Mint Bar → https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9 Starts 21:30 — ends when the energy runs out Entry FREE — just say you’re with our community No dress code. Just come as you are. --- 🚇 Easy Transport, All Night Long Athens moves 24/7 on Saturday nights: Metro lines run all night Buses operate 24 hours Getting here — and heading home — is seamless, safe, and convenient. --- Why Tonight Matters Expect a friendly, open-minded, balanced crowd — the kind of people who make the night feel warm even in December. And remember: Our events run across multiple social channels, so the actual turnout is always bigger than what you see online. You’ll walk into a lively, welcoming group from the start. Whether you come solo or with your people, you’re leaving with stories, smiles, and new connections. --- Final Call This isn’t just a party. This is where the good nights begin — and where other events wish they were. Let’s make tonight count. Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events Athens Winter Social Meetup, Cozy Party Night, Dance & Socialize, Locals & Travellers, Expats in Athens, Digital Nomads Athens, Salsa Night, Bachata Night, Warm Vibes, Indoor Event, International Community Athens, Meet New People, Things To Do in Athens Winter, Social Networking Athens, Couchsurfing-Style Meetup, December Events Athens, Winter Nightlife Athens, Open Social Event

To chat with us,and go in different plans, join our whtsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt 🔥🎉 NEW YEAR’S EVE 2025 — OPEN INVITATION AT MINT BAR 🎉🔥 Let’s end the year LOUD. Together. No one left alone. Athens, this is not a closed party. This is not a ticketed event. This is a city-wide open invitation. On Wednesday, 31st December 2025, we take over Mint Bar and turn New Year’s Eve into a wild, welcoming, all-night social celebration. 🕙 From 22:00 till late 📍 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLwxSUwqGvwngbnJ9 🎟 FREE ENTRY — no booking, no list, just show up Everyone is on holiday. Everyone is looking for plans. Instead of staying home, scrolling, or wondering where to go — come meet real people and welcome the new year together. Singles, couples, groups, locals, expats, travelers. If you walk in alone, you won’t stay alone. 🥂 🍹 SPECIAL NEW YEAR DRINK DEALS We’re keeping the bar flowing all night: 🍷 Sangria €3 🥃 Shots €2.5 🍸 Cocktails €7 🍺 Beer €5 big / €4 small Affordable. Non-stop. No excuses. 🎶 Music & Energy Upbeat dance mix, social-friendly volume early, rising energy as midnight approaches. From conversations → dancing → countdown → chaos 🎆 🔥 WHY THIS NIGHT WILL BE BIG • Open invitation = big crowd • Multiple communities joining from different channels • People free, relaxed, and ready to celebrate • Proven social vibe that actually works This isn’t a random bar night. This is a shared moment to close the year together. Midnight hits. Glasses up. Music loud. Room full. That’s how we say goodbye to 2025. 🚀 CALL TO ACTION Don’t overthink it. Don’t stay home. Don’t start the new year alone. 🔥 31.12.2025 — Mint Bar Come early. Stay late. Let’s go all night wild and start the year connected. 🎉🥂🔥 Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events Whtsapp 00306949528622 Follow us on instagram And make us grow Thanks in advance https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Athens, Social Meetup, Party, Dance Night, Locals & Travelers, Expats, Digital Nomads, Salsa, Bachata, Chill Vibes, Outdoor Event, International Community, Make New Friends, Things to Do in Athens, Couchsurfing Style, Summer in Athens, Open Meetup Αθήνα, Κοινωνική Συνάντηση, Πάρτι, Βραδιά Χορού, Ντόπιοι & Ταξιδιώτες, Ομογενείς, Ψηφιακοί Νομάδες, Σάλσα, Μπατσάτα, Χαλαρή Ατμόσφαιρα, Εκδήλωση σε Υπαίθριες Δραστηριότητες, Διεθνής Κοινότητα, Κάνε Νέους Φίλους, Δραστηριότητες στην Αθήνα, Στυλ Couchsurfing, Καλοκαίρι στην Αθήνα, Ανοιχτή Συνάντηση

Stop going to overpriced NYE hotel parties in Athens. Do this instead. Start 2026 the way Athens actually celebrates — with music, movement, and real connection. Nomad Hub Greece & Los Vecinos invite you to the first FREE Latin party of the year. Salsa, bachata, group animations, and an international crowd that actually wants to dance. ✨ 00:30 – Salsa beginners class (no experience needed) ✨ Instructors available all night for salsa, bachata & more ✨ Come solo, leave with dance partners (and new friends) ✨ Zero pretension. Pure vibes. 🙏 Entrance is free, so please support the bar by ordering at least one drink. This isn’t a hotel ballroom. It’s where expats in Athens actually meet. 📍 Ermou 135, Thiseio (ex-Nomads Athens, ground floor) 🚇 Steps from Thiseio & Monastiraki stations 🎟 Entrance: FREE 📩 Reserve your spot now!

Stop going to overpriced New Year Evr parties in Athens. Do this instead. Start 2026 the way Athens actually celebrates — with music, movement, and real connection. Nomad Hub Greece & Los Vecinos invite you to the first FREE Latin party of the year. Salsa, bachata, group animations, and an international crowd that actually wants to dance. ✨ 00:30 – Salsa beginners class (no experience needed) ✨ Instructors available all night for salsa, bachata & more ✨ Come solo, leave with dance partners (and new friends) ✨ Zero pretension. Pure vibes. 🙏 Entrance is free, so please support the bar by ordering at least one drink. This isn’t a hotel ballroom. It’s where expats in Athens actually meet. 📍 Ermou 135, Thiseio (ex-Nomads Athens, ground floor) 🚇 Steps from Thiseio & Monastiraki stations 🎟 Entrance: FREE 📩 Reserve your spot now!

Coffee & Chat (& Brunch) Come and make new friends this Sunday over a nice coffee & chat (& Brunch), the perfect way to end the weekend. Everyone is welcome, International & Greek, meeting in English (but other languages are welcome) Let's meet at En Aithria from 12 to 16/17. Ask for the coffee group https://maps.app.goo.gl/ecdSiXxg6sT8h6kF7 +32486805343 Whatsapp Looking forward to seeing you all there!

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

If you’ve never been out with us, or it’s been a while… this is the event to jump in. Most people come solo and leave with new friends. Bowling on New Year’s Eve is **nearly impossible to book** — and we locked down 8 lanes. That alone makes this a rare one. we are definitely not a pro bowlers (**I’m actually pretty bad** 😅), but bowling is way better when pizza and beer are involved 🍕🍺 This event is posted on meetup with Central Ohio Friends **Please RSVP with ONE group only** 🎳 • $15 per person • 2 hours of unlimited bowling • Up to 6 people per lane • **Bring $15 exact cash** (helps us move fast) ⏰ THE PLAN 🕢 **7:45 PM** – Show up, grab a drink, and settle in 🕘 **9:00 PM – Bowling starts** 🕚 **11:00 PM** – Head to Level One Bar & Arcade / **The Derby (Worthington)** to **watch the ball drop** and finish the night 🎉 Please **arrive early (around 8:00 PM)** so we can get checked in and start on time. If you’re new, nervous, or haven’t been out with us before — you won’t be the only one. If you need help finding the group or have questions, feel free to reach out. 📍 LOCATION Sequoia Pro Bowl 5501 Sandalwood Blvd Columbus, OH 43229 ⚠️ GPS heads-up: The entrance can be tricky. Look for the large parking lot near the volleyball courts — that’s the closest entrance. 🍻 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 👉 RSVP now and don’t miss one of our most fun nights of the year.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

*GOhio!* turns 8!! 🥳 Come celebrate with us at [Pins Mechanical](https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/easton)! 😄 **Summary** Pins Mechanical Co. is a social entertainment venue that combines old-school games like duckpin bowling, pinball, and other classic arcade and table games with craft cocktails, local beers, and punch. The vintage-industrial atmosphere is designed for playful, face-to-face gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, offering a casual and lively alternative to a typical bar. Pins' Easton location spans over 38,000 square feet, making it the largest in the United States. This massive entertainment venue features two floors, a mezzanine level with stadium seating, and three full-service bars. It offers 16 duckpin bowling lanes, two indoor bocce courts, and more than 60 classic and modern pinball and arcade games. For additional fun, the location is known for its two outdoor patios, an indoor slide, and an expanded patio pong setup. **Activities** As noted below, some machines take actual quarters. Pins has two change machines (one downstairs and one upstairs) that accept ones, fives, or tens (only), and return quarters (only). * *Duckpin Bowling* [Like Bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duckpin_bowling) but with smaller balls, stubby pins, and no oil on the lanes. The cost is $9 per game per person. * *Pinball* [Who](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Who)'s a [wizard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball_Wizard) on these [retro machines](https://pinballmap.com/map/?by_location_id=15311)? At $1 per play, everyone! Takes quarters. * *Arcade* Play classics like Gorf, Pac-Man, Gorf, Donkey Kong, Gorf, Galaga, and Gorf! The best part is, there's Gorf! And all the arcade games are free! * *Patio Pong* The classic college party staple but bigger. Instead of tossing a ping pong ball into cups, you use a regular ball and oversized buckets. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Ping Pong* The most popular sport in China! They have two ping pong tables downstairs and two more ping pong tables upstairs. For those of you who have studied topological spaces and set theory, you will know this means they have four total ping pong tables. They have bubble gum dispensers with ping pong balls in them for 25¢ each. The dispensers take quarters. However, they also have racks where they store the ping pong paddles, and in these racks are slots for ping pong balls. It's not uncommon to see balls already here, so there's a chance you may be able to play ping pong for free if you want to. * *Hookie* You can't put your eye out! The safe alternative to darts: Hook thrown rings on a board. Outdoors on the upstairs patio, and free! * *Bocce* Like bowling, except there’s turf and a lot more balls. You can also knock your opponent’s balls out of the way. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Foosball* Everyone loves [foosball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_football)! 50¢ a game. Takes quarters. * *Giant Jenga* Stack massive wooden blocks into a tower, then take turns pulling out one block at a time without collapsing the tower. There are four of these sprinkled throughout the venue (two downstairs and two upstairs, with one on each patio), and they're all free! * *Skeeball* There are three skeeball machines on the first floor (near the Gorf machine!), and they're all free! * *Giant Connect Four* On the outdoor patio upstairs, and free! * *Bubble Hockey* This is upstairs. Up to four people can play at once, and it costs $1. Takes quarters. * *Cornhole* There are two cornhole lanes upstairs, and they're both free! * *Basketball* There are two basketball machines downstairs. They're tucked behind the downstairs bar, so they're not always obvious unless you go look for them. They're $2 per play, and they take quarters. * *NES and Sega Genesis video games* These are collections, downstairs (near the Gorf machine!), of video games that you can play for free! * *The Big Metal Indoor Slide* This large two-story slide is for kids, and certainly no adults would ride this. After all, it's not like it's free or anything. **Outdoor Patio** Pins at Easton actually has two outdoor patios. But for our purposes, only the upstairs one matters. See, it will be winter and likely cold. But their upstairs patio has multiple ceiling heaters and two massive gas fire pits that put out a ton of heat. Sitting out here may be a real option. As mentioned above, the upstairs outdoor patio has one of the venue's two Patio Pong setups, one of their multiple Giant Jengas, the Giant Connect Four, and Hookie. **Food** Pins doesn't serve food, but there's a [Mikey's Late Night Slice](https://www.latenightslice.com/) next door. This Mikey's is basically an extension of the Easton Pins; there's a large open doorway between both establishments. Mikey's has a fountain dispenser with Coke products. You can also get Coke and Diet Coke (but not Coke Zero, like you can at Mikey's) at the bars in Pins, but I think the quality of the soda pop from Mikey's fountain is better than that from the bar hoses Pins uses to dispense soft drinks. You are also quite allowed at Pins to either bring food in or order it in via your favorite delivery app. **Parking** I recommend parking in the [Worth Garage](https://eastontowncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/parking-at-easton-updated-file-sept-25.pdf). It's literally right next door to Pins, and it's free as long as you park on Level 2 or above. They recently started charging people to park on Level 1, and you pay for parking on this level the same way you pay for street parking in Columbus, with the [ParkColumbus](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parkmobile.parkcolumbus&hl=en_US&pli=1) app. I've seen them enforce this by ticketing people's cars, but I don't know how they actually compel payment. The garage is not a public street that actual cops can write you tickets for parking illegally on. If you have an actual ticket from a cop that you don't pay, they can go so far as to issue a warrant for your arrest. But all Easton has, seemingly, is, "[Please pay our ticket](https://eastonpreferredpark.com/)." Still, in my ongoing efforts to eliminate needless stress and aggravation from my life, I just park above the first Level. The actual address of the garage is [4049 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4049+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388a86de3af559:0xc1dc8b4661fc834f!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11sgzjp4ml?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). However, your GPS is stupid. The actual entrances to the garage are on the cross steets Brighton Rose Way and Fenlon St, not Worth Ave. Just keep this in mind once you get to the garage. **Where we'll meet** I'll post in the comments where I am. People will obviously want to explore different areas of the venue over the course of the event (and there's a lot to explore), but please just let me know (as in, come find me) once you've arrived. **Peroration** Come on out and say hi! 😄